 BRUNEI
The eldest Sultanate
wants to attract golfers
On November 17, 2000, President Clinton shows up at 11:30PM to play at Royal Brunei Golf and Country, after long day of summit meetings; he and Singapore Prime Min Goh Chok Tong play nine holes until 2AM, on lighted course in lush rain forest, despite flashes of lightning. (The New York Times).
Brunei Darusslam, November 2006
Oil and gas! Brunei belongs to the restricted class of the smallest but very rich countries in the world and Sultan Hassanil Bolkiah to the Fortune's top list. Nowadays Brunei Darussalam's vision is to promote the country as a unique tourist destination and gateway to tourism excellence in South East Asia . The objectives are to create international awareness of Brunei Darussalam as a holiday and golf destination. Even if alcoholic beverages are forbidden by Islamic law.
by R. Bourne
 Where to play ?
What to see ?
Where to stay ?
Information
Brunei occupies less than 1% of the Borneo Island where it lies on the northern shore, along the South China Sea, between the Indonesian Kalimantan provinces and the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, at less than two hours by air from Singapore . It is a tropical country covered by rainforest with sandy beaches along the sea. It has a tropical climate.
Brunei Darussalam is an independent state till 1984 following the strong wish of Sultan Hassanil Bolkiah who ascended the Throne in 1967. He is considered and honoured as the "Father of the Nation" and when he drives his horse along the beaches or the golf course, all the members and employees feel blessed by His Majesty. It is a "good day".
He is the 29 th of his line. His title has passed within the same dynasty since the fourteenth century even during the troubles in 1960 when British troops came from Singapore to put down a local rebellion. At the same time, the government refused to join Sabah and Sarawak in the newly formed Malaysia even if the official language and the culture are Malay.
From the 14th to the 16th centuries Brunei Darussalam was the seat of a powerful sultanate extending over Sabah, Sarawak and the lower Philippines . Thus, the current Sultan represents one of the oldest continuously ruling dynasties in the world. By the 19th century, the Brunei Darussalam Empire had been whittled away by wars, piracy and the colonial expansion of European powers. It became a British protectorate from 1888 to 1984.
Mainly based on crude oil and gas, Brunei 's economy wants to promote the country as a tourist destination and gateway to tourism excellence in South East Asia as a holiday destination; to maximise earnings of foreign exchange and make tourism as one of the main contributor to GDP. Golf is part of it. But never forget the Islamic rules: no alcohols, no drugs.
Where to play
Brunei counts a few courses of varying levels -some exclusive to members and their guests - where golf enthusiasts and beginners alike can delight their favourite sport. Let's say that all visitors can take a swing at some of the courses for which travel agents can arrange inbound golf tours.
The Empire Country Club
The premier championship in Brunei was designed by Jack Nicklaus. It is really a challenging course and it is not surprising that this course is ranked in the best in South Asia .
An awe-inspiring course. 7,029 yards . Cliffs and ravines. Tight fairways. Large bunkers. Floodlit for nighttimes games. The front nine overlook the ocean from high ground, while the back nine reach to the sea. The signature 15th hole takes you right along the beach, hugging the coastline and challenging you with sprawling bunkers.
The Club-House hosts the Spike Lounge which overlooks the 18 th hole.
Best Golf Resort in Asia No. 2 ( Asian Golf Monthly 2006)
Best Course in Malaysia No.5 (Asian Golf Monthly 2006)
Best Clubhouse in Asian - No.4 ( Asian Golf Monthly 2006)
Best Champion Golf Course in Asia - No.6 ( Asian Golf Monthly 2006)
Royal Brunei Golf & Country Club
Near Jerudong Park, this club caters to the most exclusive of golf aficionados - advanced bookings are required. The course has been described by its designer, Ronald Fream, as the "Augusta National of Asia ". It is considered one of the best courses in Asia , and is among the most exclusive in the world.
Mentiri Golf Club
Located in the Brunei Muara district, this is an international standard 18-hole, par 72 course cradled in lush, landscaped grounds. Greens fees are B$60 on weekdays and B$120 on weekends.
Royal Brunei Airline Golf Club
Probably the first course you'll see in Brunei , this 18-hole public course designed by Max Wexler lies just five minutes from the Brunei International Airport and twenty minutes drive from the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan . It is characterised by a generally flat layout with manmade lakes spread out over the course, adding to its beauty.
Panaga Golf Club
Located in Seria district, this is another of Brunei 's well-equipped and lushly-maintained public courses available for visitors and popular with locals.
What to see
Brunei offers a large variety of attractive places but the town of Seria and its rows of "nodding donkeys" pumping oil is the where it all began. Visit the town of Seria to see rows of the Belait. Seria's Oil & Gas Discovery Centre. There is also the visually striking Billionth Barrel Monument .
The rainforest and National Parks are rich in flora and fauna to be discovered from above or below the canopy at the Ulu Temburong National Park .
The small Brunei-Muara is of great importance as the district housing Brunei 's capital, Bandar Seri Begawan .
Bandar Seri Begawan is the centre of Brunei 's commerce, finance and government. In many ways, it is also the heart of Brunei 's cultural landscape, housing some of the nation's most revered landmarks. The city's breathtaking Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is a stunning tribute to the nation's deep-rooted faith, while the truly Bruneian Kampong Ayer water village offers a glimpse of the nation's quaint Asian charm.
A glittering example of Brunei 's majestic royal heritage, Istana Nurul Iman is the Sultan's lavish home in the capital and is the largest residential palace in the world. Situated on the top of a hill overlooking the city, the palace is an enigmatic symbol of Brunei 's enduring monarchy and seat of the nation's government.
Nearby, the Mausoleum of Sultan Bolkiah pays tribute to one of Brunei 's greatest Sultans, who reigned at the height of Brunei 's sovereignty in the region. The capital also houses a number of royal museums highlighting the nation's 600-year old monarchy and century-spanning history. Perhaps the most well-known is the Royal Regalia Museum , where visitors can glimpse the Sultan's full royal regalia, including the crown and royal chariot, along with a vast collection of opulent treasures. A visit to the Brunei Museum is also a must, with its elaborate displays of antique cannons and intricate daggers.
The unique House of Twelve Roofs is a relic of the colonial days. This quaint piece of British architecture awes once home to the British Resident.
The water village is also a place to visit. People are very friendly. It is better to hire a guide and avoid the cheap but very speedy boats called "flying coffins"!
Where to stay
The Empire Hotel & Country Club astounds. It is a palace which could have been designed by Cecil B de Mille for a super production and y ou are the stars!
In the lobby, surround yourself with the grandeur of The Empire amidst immense marble columns with golden rings rising six stories.
Extravagant suites of seven different categories, villas and 5 star rooms. Eight pools. A beach resort by the South China Sea . Water sports. Spa.
A resort for family vacations, romantic holidays or business. Ideal hotel for high impact meetings and events. Five star hi-tech meeting facilities. An expert MICE team. A luxurious base for exploring the rainforests of Borneo .
A Championship golf course.
- Rooms and suites
Private balconies overlooking the ocean, lagoon, gardens or golf course from every room. Elegant furnishings. Upper suites adorned with jewels.
Linens tailored in Italy from Egyptian cotton. Spacious marble clad bathrooms with walk-in showers and bathtubs to enjoy spectacular views.
Guests in all suites enjoy full E-Club benefits: private lounge for breakfast, high tea and mock tail; complimentary free-flow soft drinks, coffee and tea; complimentary broadband internet access; complimentary services-pressing of 2 garments and shoe polish services.
- Restaurants:
Authentic dishes in the Italian trattoria. Spaghettini . Cantonese cuisine in a radiant pavilion Li Gong . Fresh seafood al fresco waterside Pantal . The café in an extravagant Atrium , with views of the ocean or at Bunker Café overlooking the putting green.. Dine at Spike Lounge overlooking the 18th hole at the country club or savour English high tea in the Lobby Lounge .
- Food & beverages
Large choice from international to Chinese or Malay or European cuisines Fresh seafood.
No alcoholic drinks but at restaurants, some wines can be bought apart from official menu.
- Activities
The scent of the greens on the Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course. The premier championship golf course in Brunei . The warmth of a healing Bruneian massage. The rush of a late night tennis game on a floodlit court. An invigorating workout on state-of-the-art fitness equipment. Endless facilities at the Country Club for leisure, whether you relax with a round of golf, a day in the spa, swimming, sporting competition or a combination of all. The Empire's Country Club beckons.
Jerudong BG3122
Negara Brunei Darussalam
website : www.the empire hotel.com/
E- mail: sales@theempirehotel.com
Best Leisure Hotels & Resorts - No.9 (Smart Travel Asia's - 2006)
Best Conference Hotels, Asia - No. 20 (Smart Travel Asia's - 2006)
Best Business Hotels Asia - No. 22 ( Smart Travel Asia's - 2006)
Information
How to get there
Daily flights from & to Bandar Seri Begawan airport by Royal Brunei, British Airways, Emirates, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas , Singapore Airlines.
Visas
The Brunei Government requires visitors to be in possession of a valid passport. German, Malaysian, Singaporean, British nationals with the right of abode in the United Kingdom and New Zealand nationals are exempted from the requirement to obtain a visa for visits not exceeding 30 days. American passport holders can enter Brunei Darussalam for three months without visas. For nationals of Belgium , Canada , Denmark , France , Indonesia , Japan , Luxembourg , Republic of Maldives , the Netherlands , Norway , the Philippines , South Korea , Spain , Sweden , Switzerland , Thailand and the Principality of Liechtenstein, visas are waived for 14-day visits. Nationals of Australia are issued visas upon arrival at the Brunei International Airport for visits not exceeding 30 days
Money
The Brunei Dollar is at par with the Singapore Dollar and both are traded freely in their respective countries.
Weather
Year-round sunshine. Average temperature of 28 degrees Celsius.
Halal
Respecting the Muslim religion and culture, all food served at The Empire Hotel and Country Club is halal. Halal is an Arabic word meaning lawful and permitted, and Muslims around the world only consume food made with halal ingredients and preparation.
Foods which are not halal include pork and alcohol .
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